Cow slaughter? Bajrang Dal activists lynch 2 tribals

A group of 20 men went to the home of the tribals and accused them of killing a cow, police said. Then they allegedly beat up the 2 men brutally. Both died while they were being taken to hospital

Two tribal men were beaten to death while another was seriously injured allegedly by Bajrang Dal members on suspicion of cow slaughter under Kurai police station of Seoni, said the police on Tuesday. Five of the accused have been arrested so far.

Enraged over the incident, tribals blocked Jabalpur-Nagpur highway demanding action against the accused and justice to the families.

SDOP Sashikant Saryam said, “Sampat Batti of Sagar village and Dhanshah of Simaria village were sitting in the house of Atarlal Batti in Simaria village when a group of around 20 Bajrang Dal members attacked them. The assault took place between 2:30am and 3am on Monday.”

The SDoP said the group started thrashing the two men mercilessly. Villager Brajesh Batti, who reached the spot after hearing the commotion, too was not spared.

Saryam said in the past Sampat was caught selling beef (cow meat) and Bajrang Dal members had come to know the duo was again indulging in

the practice. “The members informed police they had nabbed two men selling beef and asked them to come and arrest them,” the SDoP said, adding the police team found the trio unconscious. They were rushed to a hospital. While Sampat and Dhanshah died during the course of treatment, Brajesh was still fighting for life. He said 12 kg meat was seized and sent for forensic examination.

Former CM Kamal Nath tweeted, “I demand strict action against the culprits by announcing a high-level probe. All possible help should be given to the families of the victims and treatment of the injured man.”